KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. —
The 2024 high school girls flag football season marked a significant milestone for Tennessee, as it was the inaugural year for the sport in the state. More than a dozen high schools within the Knox County Schools district participated in this exciting new athletic opportunity, which was made possible through a generous grant from the Tennessee Titans.
Community Support Shines
Knox County Schools celebrated this landmark season on social media, highlighting the enthusiasm around girls flag football. Coach Aryiane Carrington of Austin-East High School expressed her excitement, noting, “Our first game had over 150 people there. To look up and see everybody was amazing. The community has really shown love to these girls, just like they do for the boys.” This community engagement has helped to foster an encouraging atmosphere for the young female athletes.
Empowering Young Female Athletes
Flag football provides opportunities for young women to engage in a fast-paced, dynamic sport. At Austin-East, 45 girls expressed interest in joining the team, showcasing the growing popularity of the sport. Senior athlete Danezia Cranford shared her thoughts: “I’m just an athletic person, and football is fun. I also do track. It’s been a great season playing with my teammates.”
One of the remarkable aspects of this inaugural season is that many of the girls trying out for the team had not participated in sports before. This statistic emphasizes the significance of the program in promoting sports among female students who may not have had prior opportunities.
State-Level Recognition
In April, Tennessee became the tenth state in the United States to officially sanction high school girls flag football. The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) made the pivotal decision to classify the sport as an “emerging sport” for the 2024-2025 season, highlighting its growing importance. This classification means that 15 percent of TSSAA members are either currently participating in the sport or are committed to joining once it is sanctioned.
Widespread Participation
While specific details on each participating school were not disclosed by Knox County Schools, various reports indicate that several schools in East Tennessee took part in the newly established league. The enthusiasm and commitment from students and coaches alike illustrate a promising future for girls flag football in Tennessee.
A Bright Future Ahead
As the inaugural season comes to a close, the excitement around girls flag football continues to build. Coaches, players, and community members look forward to what the future holds for female athletes in the area. The initial success of the program has set a strong foundation for future seasons, demonstrating a commitment to creating supportive environments for young women in sports.
With participation likely to grow in the years to come, girls flag football in Tennessee stands as a testament to the power of community support, the encouragement of athletic participation among young women, and the potential for new sports to thrive on school campuses across the state.
